John Drake Jr., 38, allegedly shot two La Vergne, Tennessee, police officers after they confronted him about a stolen car outside a Dollar General, on Oct. 21, 2023. Drake, the son of the Nashville police chief, remains on the run. (La Vergne Police Department)
Authorities in Tennessee are searching for the son of the Nashville police chief’s son who is accused of shooting two police officers.
Two La Vergne police officers were investigating the report of a stolen car at a Dollar General when they confronted the suspect, investigators said. A struggle ensued and they were shot, according to officers.
Chief John Drake of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department released a statement describing his son as “estranged” and said his prayers go out to the two officers who were shot.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn that my estranged son, with whom I have had very minimal contact over many years, is the suspect in this afternoon’s shooting of the two La Vergne police officers,” the statement said. “Despite my efforts and guidance in the early and teenage years, my son, John Drake Jr., now 38-years-old, resorted to years of criminal activity and is a convicted felon. He has not been a part of my life for quite some time. He now needs to be found and held accountable for his actions today. I hope that anyone who sees him or has information about him will contact law enforcement immediately.”
La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews told reporters that the two officers responded to the Dollar General about the stolen car shortly before 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Moews said the two officers began struggling with 38-year-old John Drake Jr. who then took out a gun and started shooting. The suspect then fled the scene.
One officer suffered a gunshot wound to the rear, left shoulder while the other was shot in the groin and right firearm. They were both taken to the hospital where they were listed in stable condition. The officer who was shot in the shoulder has been with the department nearly three years while the other officer was hired about a year-and-a-half ago, Moews said.
Police told residents in the area to shelter-in-place but that has since been lifted. La Vergne is about 20 miles southeast of downtown Nashville.
No other details about the shooting were released.
According to the Tennessee Department of Corrections, John Drake Jr. served eight years in prison for rape. He remains on parole. Local NBC affiliate WSMV reports he has been criminally charged nearly 60 times since 2005.
John Drake Jr. is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who comes in contact with him should call 911.
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